Is it Better to Give than to Receive?

Christmas is the season of giving, but it is also the season when we can practice the fundamental spiritual principle of receiving.

As children most of us were taught that giving is more virtuous than receiving; and that if we give, we will grow up to be better people. And good people are rewarded—some day.

I didn't believe this wholeheartedly as a kid. When it came to gifts, I was willing to give to others, but there was something inside me that really enjoyed receiving. I even secretly prayed for the gifts on my Christmas list. After all, I was a good kid. Didn’t I deserve an Easy Bake Oven?

Eventually the guilt set in, I put my own selfish desires aside and began focusing on what I should give. But I always felt a little like I had abandoned myself. Of course I would never have dared tell anybody this, for fear that they would think I was a selfish little girl.

What I didn’t know then is that it’s natural to want to receive and that receiving should feel good, even great! To your soul, receiving is about much more than gifts. It is about being open to what the universe is trying to send your way. Those desires, hopes and dreams of all shapes and sizes from good parking spots to finding your soul mate. After all if you have trouble receiving from another person, why would it be any easier to receive from your Angel?

Ask yourself: How receptive am I? Do I delight in the goodness that comes my way? Do I revel in the bounty that surrounds me? Can I accept a compliment or simple kind gestures from strangers? Or am I ‘unselfishly’ waiting to be rewarded some day? If so, you may want to re-learn and practice how to be receptive.

There are a few tips about becoming more receptive. The first is appreciation. Acknowledge the gifts you receive with gusto. Take compliments to heart. Gratefully accept the kindnesses you are shown. Be thankful for what you already have.

The second tip may surprise you: give. Yes, after all this talk about the importance of receiving, I’m now suggesting that you give. Why? Because giving makes us feel deserving to receive. And when we feel we deserve good things, we allow ourselves to receive them. So give generously to family and friends. And if you really want to amp up your receptivity, help strangers and those in need. This is why doing charitable work feels so good. It makes us feel worthy to receive life’s goodness and abundance. Doing good—feels good!

But there’s something else about giving and receiving to consider. Turns out, good people are rewarded one day—and that day may be determined by you. Not just because of your readiness to receive what you desire, but in your role as a good spirit partner in giving to others. That’s right, YOU may just be the vehicle for the universe to answer another person’s prayers. YOU just may be an angel in disguise.

So when it comes to giving, practice your humanity. Let your intuition guide you to those who need your help and then act. Be generous with your time and money. And remember, not all giving has a price tag. It’s just as important to show simple kindnesses and offer kind words. Everyone deserves to experience the many ways the universe can deliver its goodness and love. Especially you!

© Maria Hart 2016

#Angel #spiritpartner